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Defence Security and Vetting Service

The Defence Security Division (DSD) (formerly the Defence Security and Vetting Service (DSVS) and the Defence Security Authority (DSA)) is a security agency within the Australian Government, and plays a crucial role in maintaining national security. DSD agents closely collaborate with their U.S equivalent; the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA).

The DSD is part of Australia's National Security Community, along with the Department of Defence (including Defence Security), Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), Australian Secret Intelligence Service, Australian Federal Police, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, Defence Intelligence Organisation, Australian Signals Directorate, Office of National Intelligence, Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation and the Australian Defence Force.

The DSD is headed by Australia's Chief Security Officer (CSO), and is the primary counterintelligence agency for Defence security in Australia. The current incumbent is First Assistant Secretary, Mr Peter West.

DSD operates under the Defence Legislation Amendment Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets Act 2024, empowering DSD agents with dedicated Defence-specific espionage legislation.

DSD's primary responsibility is the provision of protective security and counterintelligence services to the Australian Government. DSD is responsible services to government. DSD also provides outreach security and cybersecurity services, the provision of security threat and risk assessments, investigating protective security breaches and manages the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP).

DSD agents are embedded within ASIO for closer collaboration on matters pertaining to Defence-specific espionage and Top Secret Priveliged Access security clearances. DSD is the parent agency of the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA).

Additionally, the DSD contributes to broader national security outcomes by managing the Defence Security Principles Framework, which helps decision-makers understand and manage evolving security risks effectively.

DSD agents are accredited Australian Government investigators, consistent with their U.S DCSA Special Agent counterparts. DSD agents are required to complete the Diploma of Government (Security) and the Certificate IV in Government (Investigation) or the Diploma of Government (Investigation).

Functions

DSD Agents specialise in a range of duties, including:

  • Conducting covert field investigations into major national security breaches (including the theft of seven rocket launches in 2007 and thwarting the Holsworthy Barracks Terror Plot).
  • Conducting offensive and defensive counterintelligence activities (including identifying double-agents across Australian Government)
  • Conducting special protective security functions
  • Detecting espionage efforts across the Australian Defence Organisation
  • Liaising with national and international intelligence, counterintelligence and security entities in the provision of government security
  • Evaluating security performance and risk
  • Reporting security compliance
  • Administrating the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency
  • Develops and promulgates security policy that complies with Australian Government protective security policy and
  • Meets Defence's needs and assisting Groups and the Services with security policy implementation.

References

References

  1. [https://www.igis.gov.au/sites/default/files/DSA_report.pdf Inspector General of Intelligence & Security, Report into the Defence Security Authority 2011]
  2. "US State Department approves additional Australian HIMARS purchase, 1st October 2025".
  3. "Australian Government, Chief Security Officer".
  4. [https://www.directory.gov.au/people/peter-west First Assistant Secretary and Chief Security Officer Peter WEST]
  5. "Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets Act 2024".
  6. "Australia's weapons programs exposed in defence industry cyber attacks, Wednesday 19th November 2025".
  7. "ASIO Top Secret Priveliged Access Security Clearances".
  8. "Defence Security & Estate Group".
  9. "National Intelligence Community; Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency.".
  10. [https://www.defence.gov.au/security/industry Defence Industry Security Program - Australian Defence Organisation]
  11. "Australian Government Investigative Standards".
  12. [https://www.defence.gov.au/security Security. Sectors. Defence]
  13. [https://www.defence.gov.au/security/clearances/about/vetting-assessment Security clearances – Vetting assessment Australian Government Security and Vetting Agency]
  14. [https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/exbikie-granted-immunity-in-rocket-launcher-case-now-facing-deportation-after-drug-bust-20160212-gmsp58.html Ex-bikie granted immunity in rocket launcher case now facing deportation after drug bust (smh.com.au)]
Wikipedia Source

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